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NRL boss Smith pleased Flanagan is back

Russell Jackson

NRL chief executive Dave Smith says it's great Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is back at the helm of the embattled club.

Flanagan was reinstated by the Cronulla board on Friday after being stood down two weeks ago following a review of the club's handling of alleged issues in 2011 that are the subject of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's (ASADA) investigation.

"Flanno is a great guy. He's a great coach and the players love him ... it's great to see him back with his team," Smith told AAP at the NRL Harmony Day Festival in Sydney on Saturday.

"The board made the decision to bring him back and they've acted decisively."

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On Friday, an emotional Flanagan spoke to media after his reinstatement which was based on information provided by a second independent review.

Federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy concedes it's a hard period for those affected by the ASADA investigation.

"I think it's a very difficult time for many people involved in sport, particularly in the (football) codes," Senator Lundy told AAP.

During the week, it was announced ASADA would step up its investigations with interview requests for 31 NRL players.

It was revealed the investigation had turned its attention from the clubs to rogue players who might have taken banned substances outside the club framework.

Smith is pleased to see the investigation making inroads.

"We're making progress for the first time and we've been able to give some clarity. I wish it was much clearer but these things have got to run their course," he said.

"I don't feel happy but I do feel like we're progressing and we're working well with the ASADA team."

ASADA has informed the NRL's integrity unit which players it wishes to speak to - with the unit in the process of compiling the interview request notices.

Senator Lundy told AAP she's satisfied everything is in place for the investigation to move to the next phase after an increase in funding.

"I'm satisfied that all resources needed have been provided. We were able to boost those resources as ASADA came to the next stage of interviewing players and it will unfold," she said.